The Aculeate Hymenoptera of Rye Bay
This Specialist Report Contains Species Statements of 11 Red Data Book Aculeate Hymenoptera, the ants, bees and wasps.
A.
Grace and B.J. Yates
The Two Bays, One Environment project has brought together much of the existing wildlife records of the Rye Bay area and encouraged additional recording. Since the production of the first project report in August 1998 (Yates and Triplet 1998) the total number of species recorded has increased from 4,617 to 6,095 by January 2000. The number of all Hymenoptera has, over the same period, increased from 132 to 252, representing 4% of recorded species.
The
number of records, species and their British status (according to Recorder 3.3)
is summarised below;
The British Status of the Species of Rye Bay.
|
|
Common |
Local |
Notable |
Rare |
Total Species |
Records |
|
All Hymenoptera |
138 |
73 |
29 |
12 |
252 |
972 |
|
All Species |
4,246 |
1,139 |
475 |
235 |
6,095 |
147,777 |
note:
non Aculeate Hymenoptera account for 33 species, including 6 local, 1 notable
and 1 RDB species.
Of the 6,095 species and 252 Hymenoptera recorded so far, the most important are those considered to be rare. The rare category includes 11 Aculeate Hymenoptera species considered as Red Data Book species (RDB – see status for definition), representing the species that are truly rare or endangered in Britain. This specialist report contains Species Statements of all the RDB Aculeate Hymenoptera. It is hoped that a series of these reports will be produced, so that they can together form an account of the species groups in Rye Bay and produce an important information resource.
The wildlife
database is maintained on RECORDER and species records, distribution maps or
summaries are available on request from the Two Bays, One Environment project
contact yates@clara.net
The
Rare Aculeate Hymenoptera With Species Statements In This Report
Ants
Myrmica specioides (Bondroit 1918)
Leptothorax interruptus (Schenck, 1852)
Solitary Wasps
Miscophus ater (Lepeletier, 1845)
Crossocerus vagabundus
(Panzer, 1798)
Philanthus triangulum (Fabricius, 1775)
Solitary Bees
Hylaeus gibbus (Fabricius, 1775)
Hylaeus euryscapus (Forster,
1871)
Andrena gravida (Imhoff,
1832)
Andrena nitidiusculus
(Schenck, 1853)
Sphecodes scabricollis
(Wesmael, 1835)
Nomada fulvicornis (Fabricius, 1793)
Aculeate
Hymenoptera of Rye Bay
The Order Hymenoptera contains three groups of insects, the Parasitica - parasitic wasps, the Symphyta - the sawflies, and the Aculeata, which are the bees, wasps and ants, so called and grouped together because the females carry a sting. This report concentrates on the last of these three groups.
Rye Bay contains a matrix of different habitat types and this mix of habitats, from natural through to entirely man-made, is responsible for the pattern of occurrence of the bees, wasps and ants recorded here. Most of the species are solitary, although some are colonial. Many are unobtrusive and overlooked because of their small size or their similarity to commoner species. The role that Aculeates play in the environment is however a crucial one, and were the Hymenoptera to disappear the natural environment would be gravely affected.
Bees and wasps cross-pollinate many wild plants, but also crops such as fruit trees and clover. In the case of wild flowers, some species of bee are dependent on one or a few species. The seed production and future viability of many plants is therefore linked to the survival of a healthy population of bees and wasps of a variety of species. Bees often have specialised requirements in terms of pollen and nectar sources, sometimes visiting only a small range of plant species or even only one species of flower.
Wasps are important predators of other insects and their role in the ecosystem is pivotal. Solitary wasps often specialise in certain types of prey, such as weevils or plant bugs, and their position in the food chain is comparable to that of birds of prey in avian populations. Because of this, the monitoring of species such as solitary wasps can indicate the overall condition of the environment. Bees, wasps and ants all occupy links in the overall ecology of the entire environment, so that declines and disappearances of species have knock-on effects and result in an overall impoverishment of the diversity of the natural world, not only in terms of the number of species but, as importantly, in the complexity of roles and functions performed by many of these insects.
The scientific value of bees, wasps and ants also lies in the evidence they provide about how life has evolved and the implications that their lifestyles and behaviours has for our understanding of the natural world and how evolution may have proceeded. Many species, especially the social bees and wasps, have intricate social organisations, and also means of communication that are still not understood. The hymenoptera include species displaying the full range of sociality, from basic food provision of the egg to sophisticated natal behaviours and the development of castes in the fully social species. There are complex interdependencies between different species of bee and of wasp and ant, and in all three groups there are species whose life - histories involve partial or total dependence upon other groups of insects, forming a further layer of complexity in the ecological environment. A number of species which have cuckoo relationships with host bees or wasps have become extremely rare, and investigations into the causes of these declines would increase our understanding of ecological relationships in the environment and further our understanding of factors leading to biological impoverishment of the environment generally. Furthermore, many species have mimicry relationships with species such as flies or beetles, and the significance of this mimicry is not properly understood and has much to tell us about the relationship between species, the co-evolution of their behaviours and appearances, and what they are doing in their environments.
Many other insects rely on bees and wasps either because of parasitic dependence or as visitors and scavengers at nests. Many of our most spectacular species of hoverfly have larval stages in the nests of social wasps, and this is true of some species of beetle.
Bees, wasps and ants are sensitive to subtle changes in the environment and act as indicators of change. Their nesting requirements also draw attention to aspects of environmental quality and habitat diversity which may otherwise be overlooked.
With regard to the Rye Bay environment itself there are a number of important habitats which are of critical importance for the survival of species locally. Firstly, at the coast itself, areas of natural level sand and sand dune at Camber, Northpoint beach, Broomhill Level and the Midrips support a specialised fauna including the Silvery leaf-cutter bee Megachile leachella, a coastal species with a stronghold in our area. The large and impressive sand wasp Ammophila sabulosa, and a whole range of other species, including several Spider-hunting wasps, the commonest of which is Episyron rufipes, the Red-legged spider wasp, are all present at these sites. The Sand wasp Miscophus ater, an inhabitant of the Marram dune, occurs in Britain only at Camber and on the East Kent sands.
The importance of Rye Bay nationally is also due to its’ geographic position, warmer and drier than much of the UK, the area is positioned in the extreme South-east and is a first port of call for species of winged insect attempting to colonise or re-colonise from the adjacent Continent.
A comparison of the Aculeate fauna of Rye bay with that of the Baie de Somme would provide an important indication of the relative biodiversity of the two areas, with implications for habitat management and insight into factors operating to limit or enrich the biodiversity in either area.
At Castle Water areas of sand of anthropogenic origin have provided an excellent habitat for a diversity of species, including nesting aggregations of a number of species of mining bee of the genus Andrena and Cuckoo bees of the Genus Nomada and Sphecodes. Andrena flavipes nests here in good numbers and supports a healthy population of the wasp - mimicking Nomad cuckoo bee Nomada fucata. Even quite small areas of exposed sand provide crucial nesting sites for bees, such as the exposed sand near the mouth of the River Rother. Nesting bees here cross the River to visit nectar and pollen sources at Camber.
The small and strategically important salt marsh beside the coastal Rother supports species such as Colletes helophilus, dependent upon Sea aster, but also other species such as the black-and-yellow fly predating wasp Ectermnius continuus, which in this treeless habitat nests in driftwood along the tidal margins.
On the shingle beaches themselves, even where there is no soil, aggregations of Yellow-faced bees of the genus Hylaeus can be found swarming about isolated clumps of bramble, in which they nest. Some of these species are very local and two species are included in the Red Data Book of Insects.
Hedgerows, gardens, small fields and meadows are also part of the network of habitats supporting bees, wasps and ants. The extensive grazing Levels maintain small populations of the Hairy-legged mining bee Dasypoda altercator, and the numerous drainage ditches have aquatic plants such as the widespread hemlock Water-Dropwort which supports bees such as Andrena scotica.
In Rye Bay and the hinterland the nesting and foraging habitats of the bees, wasps and ants gives us a precise indication of the quality of our natural environment and the needs of a sustainable management strategy for our countryside in the future.
Aculeate
Hymenoptera Species Statements
Myrmica specioides (Bondroit 1918)
(Formicidae -
an Ant)
1. Description
A medium - sized reddish - brown ant, one of ten British species of the Genus Myrmica, and identified by reference to morphological features including the antennal segments and mandibular dentition.
2. Current status
This species was first recorded in Britain in 1962, at Deal in Kent. (Collingwood 1962). The species has since colonised the East Kent coast and has reached Rye Harbour. It is a coastal species favouring sparsely vegetated and well - drained areas of sand and shingle. Its current National status is RDB3.
Myrmica specioides is well established on level areas of sand and shingle close to the tidal zone of the Rother at Rye Harbour.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
The species is presently expanding its’ British range along the coast, the reasons for this expansion are unclear, the implication being that the species was a recent colonist or introduction shortly before its’ discovery. For an account of the earlier spread see G. W. Allen (1985). This ant is more aggressive than the related Myrmica scabrinodis, a common species in Britain, and may be out-competing that species in particular littoral habitats exposed to rigorous conditions. See Collingwood (1979). Winged sexuals appear in August and September, from subterranean nests with a simple entrance hole. During periods of settled weather in high summer new colonies will be created away from the original distribution and it is by this means that the range is expanding in the UK, rather than by influxes from the Continent.
4. Current action
Rye Harbour is SSSI and SAC.
5. Objective for the species
To maintain the current range and population and monitor any changes in distribution.
6. Proposed action
Bare and sparsely vegetated habitat, short turf and sunlit banks of sand and gravel should be conserved. Sand dune areas should be managed to allow a full range of successional habitats, with fore dune being important for this species. At Rye Harbour the level sand and shingle in the most exposed riverside areas are important habitat. Here, the elements may play a part in creating a changing matrix of small-scale habitats in rigorous conditions to which this ant is adapted.
Survey should be undertaken to establish the full range of the species in Rye Bay.
Leptothorax interruptus (Schenck, 1852)
(Formicidae -
an Ant)
1. Description
A small yellow ant with long curved spines on the propodeum. Small nests are constructed under stones, or heather roots, but under moss at Dungeness. The nests are small, and contain 1 or 2 queens and only 25 to 100 workers.
2. Current status
Distribution is confined to extreme Southern England, with the New Forest being a major stronghold. The ant is local there and distribution is even more patchy on the Dorset heaths. The discovery of an important population at Dungeness has led to the understanding that the species may be more widespread than was previously thought. Its current National status is RDB3.
The presence of this species in Rye Bay is significant nationally. The species will be nesting in shingle habitat where humus and sand are of a consistency suitable for carrying moss. The species was recorded in two areas of the Rye Harbour SSSI in 1989, by Morris and Parsons.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
At coastal locations such as Rye and Dungeness development, agriculture and seas defence work could destroy habitat. The extraction of shingle is also deleterious in certain areas. Damage to the fragile moss communities on shingle by vehicles should also be avoided.
4. Current action
Rye Harbour is SSSI and SAC.
5. Objective for the species
To maintain the present range and population size of the species.
6. Proposed action
The maintenance of vegetated sand and shingle areas, the prevention of succession and restraint on excessive disturbance to these habitats. Pesticide use should be restrained and traditional management routines maintained.
Suitable habitat should be surveyed to determine the exact range of the species within Rye Bay. Ecological research to determine the requirements of this species would be beneficial.
Miscophus ater (Lepeletier, 1845)
(Sphecidae - a
Solitary wasp)
1. Description
A small entirely bronze - black wasp which nests in sandy soil and preys upon spiders. Adults are on the wing from June to August.
2. Current status
Records are entirely confined to the Kent coast between Deal and Sandwich and to Camber Sands, in East Sussex. Its current National status is RDB2.
This wasp has a stable population at Camber Sands, occurring on the Ammophila foredune habitat, although the total ecological requirements of the species in the dune system has not been determined. The continued existence of the species in the UK is dependent upon the conservation of the dune system here and in East Kent.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
Reasons for the very restricted UK range of this species are not fully understood but the survival of the dune systems at Camber and East Kent is a vital factor in the wasp’s survival. Coastal development, including the conversion of dune areas into amenity sites, could damage the habitat requirements of the species. Intense visitor pressure on the dunes could lead to excessive damage.
4. Current action
Camber Sands is an SSSI.
5. Objective for the species
To maintain the existing range and population size of this species.
6. Proposed action
Prevent the loss of coastal dunes to development and manage visitor pressure to avoid excessive disturbance and trampling of dune sand. Use boardwalks and fences to control access points through the dunes. Dune systems should be conserved in order to represent the full range of dune habitats, from bare seaward dune, through the grass dune belt through to grey dune and scrub habitats. Excessive blow outs of dune and inundation from the sea would be detrimental to the conservation of the species.
Survey of the extensive dune system in the Baie de Somme should be undertaken to determine the presence of this species there.
Crossocerus vagabundus (Panzer, 1798)
(Sphecidae - a
Solitary wasp)
1. Description
A medium-sized black wasp with yellow bands on the abdomen and yellow on the legs, this species nests in rotten wood, sometimes in disused beetle borings, and provisions its’ egg chambers with craneflies, upon which it is a specialist predator. Adults are on the wing in June and July.
2. Current status
This wasp was once widespread in Southern and Eastern England and was common at the end of the Nineteenth century. A decline in range and abundance became apparent during the middle of the last century and now the species is believed to be on the edge of extinction in the UK. Its current National status is RDB1
Reported from Rye Bay in 1995, the record is in need of confirmation.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
The decline of this species cannot be attributed solely to habitat loss, and factors such as climatic change may be implicated, acting perhaps on the availability of prey or nesting sites for this highly adapted species. It is possible that those factors responsible for the original reduction in range may not presently be operating, but that subsequent declines in habitat availability and fragmentation may be preventing a recovery. This wasp requires sunny lush conditions of swamp forest edge or woodland close by ponds and marshes. The presence of dead wood is vital for nesting sites and stability of the environment is essential.
4. Current action
None.
5. Objective for the species
To protect and manage suitable habitats and monitor them for signs of a recovery in population and range of the species.
6. Proposed action
Manage wet forest areas to retain or improve water levels, especially where woodland meets wet areas in sunlit aspects. Prevent scrub encroachment and the silting of waterbodies and marshes. Marsh or waterside vegetation can be managed on rotation, providing a continuity of waterside habitat types year on year. Dead and dying wood should be retained in these ecosystems.
Suitable habitats for this species should be selected for survey to detect any signs of a recovery in the fortunes of this species.
Philanthus triangulum (Fabricius, 1775)
(Sphecidae - a
Solitary wasp) - the Bee Wolf
1. Description
A large black wasp with yellow bands on the abdomen, yellow legs and yellow markings on head and thorax. The females are especially large. This species provisions its’ nests with Honey bees, Apis mellifera, and is on the wing during the summer. Nests are excavated in level sandy ground with sparse vegetation.
2. Current status
Formerly this species was rare, with colonies mainly confined to the Isle of Wight. In the last two decades the species has undergone a dramatic extension in range across Southern Britain and RDB Status is no longer applicable. Its current National status is RDB2
Philanthus triangulum has spread into the Rye Bay area within the last ten years. It is now common and widespread, with two known large nesting aggregations (at Rye Harbour and Pett Level) and nesting recorded at lower frequency on sandy soils elsewhere in Rye Bay.
There are no records from the Baie de Somme although the species has been recorded in Picardy and Normandy. (Bitsch, 1997).
3. Current factors affecting status
Reasons for the dramatic spread of this species are not known. In Europe this wasp tends to expand its’ range Northwards during runs of hot dry summers. However, the expansion of range in the UK is unprecedented.
4. Current action
Rye Harbour is an SSSI and SAC. The Pett Level site has no protection.
5. Objective for the species
As this wasp is presently widespread in good numbers there is no formal objective other than further research into its ecology, including its’ impact upon other species of solitary wasp and upon ground-nesting solitary bees.
6. Proposed action
To conserve and manage areas of sparsely vegetated sandy ground to protect nesting habitat for this and a variety of other aculeate species.To monitor the status of the species. To study known nesting aggregations of the wasp in Rye Bay. Survey in the Baie de Somme would be useful, also in order to determine whether the related Continental species Philanthus coronatus, not recorded from Britain, has spread to that area from Central Northern France. ( A species predatory on Halictid bees and upon Andrena flavipes, a common bee in Rye Bay). Presently the Bee Wolf has become sufficiently dominant at Rye Bay to warrant research into the wasp’s relationship with other ground nesting species of aculeate.
Flower-rich areas should be properly conserved and managed to maintain healthy populations of the prey species.
Hylaeus gibbus (Fabricius, 1775)
(Colletidae -
a Solitary bee, one of the yellow-faced bees)
1. Description
A small, wasp-like shining black bee with yellow markings. Bees in this genus have little hair and the females do not have pollen collecting brushes on their hind legs. The tongue is short and bi-lobed, yet these wasps-like features are believed to be a result of specialisation rather than indicating any close ancestral relationship with the Sphecid wasps. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the surface sculpture of the head, the colour of the tongue and the pattern of yellow markings on the head. Hylaeus gibbus appears on the wing from June to August. Nesting is in dead wood of tree trunks.
2. Current status
Confined to South-east and South-central England. This species is scarce and local with about twenty known sites in Britain, half of which are in Sussex. Its current National status is RDB3.
The species was recorded in 1927 and 1929 by Mr J. R. Tomlin.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
Development, afforestation and agricultural intensification have reduced the extent of available habitat. The propensity to “clearing -up” natural areas has reduced the availability of dead wood nesting sites. Over-grazing and succession threatens open sunlit areas of flower meadow and patches of scrub.
4. Current action
None.
5. Objective for the species
Determine if the species is still present in the area.
6. Proposed action
Maintain open sunlit areas and dead wood, including old posts and fences. New fencing should be of untreated wood wherever possible, for the benefit of this and other species. Prevent the invasion of scrub on to open areas but manage adjacent scrubby areas to provide an overall matrix of scattered trees, patches of scrub and open situations. Retain or modify existing management practises to preserve continuity and variety in the ecosystem. Retain dead and dying trees and windblown detritus in the landscape wherever possible.
Survey and monitoring of suitable habitat should be undertaken to determine the present status of the species in Rye Bay.
Hylaeus euryscapus (Forster, 1871)
(Colletidae -
a Solitary bee, one of the yellow-faced bees)
1. Description
A small wasp-like bee, the body shining black and with yellow markings on the face. Bees in this genus are noted for their elaborate behaviour in pasting and weaving silk-like material from glands in the female thorax to create cells for their eggs, laid inside the dead stems of bramble and other woody plants. This species is identified from others in the genus by the presence of a pair of subapical teeth on the inner mandible and the surface sculpture on the first dorsal abdominal plate and on the mesoscutum. There is a single brood and bees are on the wing from late June to the end of August.
2. Current status
This is a very local species in Britain, confined to the coasts of South-east and South-central England. The species is locally common on the Dungeness Peninsula and it is likely that the shingle habitats there and at Rye Bay together are a critically important stronghold of the species nationally. Its current National status is RDB3.
The only confirmed nesting record for Britain is from the Ammophila zone of Camber sand dunes, where a female of the species was observed entering a burrow excavated in loose sand. (M. Edwards, unpublished, in Else, G. (unpublished)). On the Continent this bee is also known to utilise dead stems of Eryngium, Rubus and Vitis. Otherwise there are a further eight records, by Morris and Parsons at Rye Harbour and by the Late Dr G. Dicker at Camber, all between 1981 and 1989.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
Coastal development, agricultural intensification and the degradation of natural habitat all threaten the species. Visitor pressure on coastal sites may damage or destroy nesting and foraging habitats.
4. Current action
Rye Harbour is an SSSI and SAC, Camber Sands is an SSSI.
5. Objective for the species
To maintain the range and population level of the species.
6. Proposed action
To research the nest site requirements and the range of the species within Rye Bay. To discover the pollen sources for the species as these have not yet been determined in the UK. Dune systems should be managed to avoid excessive trampling. Although natural successional types need to be maintained scrub encroachment needs to be restrained where it threatens to dominate fore and grey dune environments. Isolated clumps of bramble and other woody stemmed species on the coastal shingle can be retained to provide nesting habitats for species in the genus. Cutting of dead ends should be avoided and dead stems of woody plants left over winter. There is a need to respect topographical aspects of coastal landform allowing suitable microclimate conditions in areas of shingle and sand exposed to extreme weather. Shingle ridges should not be levelled.
Andrena gravida (Imhoff, 1832)
(Andrenidae - a Solitary bee, the Banded mining bee)
1. Description
A medium-sized mining bee closely related to Andrena flavipes, which is a common species in Rye Bay. Andrena gravida has bright white hair bands on the abdomen and white hair tufts on the face.
2. Current status
A very rare species afforded RDB1 status. This species has never been common in the UK but has declined to very low levels. Distribution is confined to SE England where there have been a few recent records from the Maidstone area of Kent and two recent records from the Rye Bay, which are nationally significant records.
As noted above, this species was recorded recently from Rye Harbour and from the Cadborough Cliff in the Brede Valley. The latter site is likely to be a breeding ground as it is a south-facing cliff with open eroded areas on a firm yet friable soil amid areas of short sward. The breeding population is undoubtedly small.
The species is better known on the Continent, especially in Central Europe where it is believed to be an important pollinator of some fruit trees.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme but the species should be searched for there to establish its’ overall status within the Project area.
3. Current factors affecting status
Reasons for the decline of this species are unclear, but the loss of unimproved open habitats, either through development, afforestation or natural succession, will have reduced available nesting sites. Herbicide treatment of fruit trees could have a harmful affect, while the marked reduction in traditional orchard agriculture will have removed feeding habitats.
4. Current action
Andrena gravida is the subject of a national Species Action Plan. Rye Harbour is an SSSI and SAC.
5. Objective for the species
To protect all known sites for the species and to increase the range and population.
6. Proposed action
Promote the retention of spring flowering fruit trees and discourage the use of pesticides. Sunlit sparsely vegetated banks should be conserved. Maintain traditional management routines such as grazing and cutting. Advise landowners in cases where the species has been detected. The Species Action Plan calls for the maintenance of 10 viable populations, the restoration of habitat (with re-introductions if appropriate) and surveys to be undertaken nationally by 2005 to determine the exact status. Future ecological research is required to determine factors limiting breeding success and the dispersal ability of the species.
Andrena nitidiusculus (Schenck, 1853)
(Andrenidae - a Solitary bee, one of the mining bees)
1. Description
A small Mining bee, distinguished from related species by, among other morphological features, the shape of the labral tubercule and the pattern of puncturation on the dorsal plates of the abdomen.
2. Current status
A rare bee confined to Southern England, where there appears to be a nesting preference for exposures of dry clay. Most records are from coastal areas although formerly the species was more widespread in heathlands inland. Andrena nitidiusculus is single brooded, with adults on the wing from June to September, and pollen is collected from umbellifers only, such as Wild Carrot. Post - 1970 records are from coastal Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex. In Dorset this species is the only host for the RDB1 cleptoparasitic Nomad cuckoo bee Nomada errans, known from only one site in Britain. Its current National status is RDB3.
The only record in the Rye Bay was by Mr J. R. Tomlin in 1927.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting
status
The development of coastline and the stabilisation of coastal cliffs and landslips has removed nesting habitat. Urbanisation, extensive agriculture and forestry has fragmented distribution. The decline of traditional land uses and successional growth on formerly open areas has reduced habitat availability overall.
4. Current action
None.
5. Objective for the species
To establish if the species is still present in Rye Bay.
6. Proposed action
To survey suitable habitat to determine the continued existence of the species in the project area.
Coastal sites should be maintained in a natural state, with areas of exposed dry clay open to the sun and adjacent areas of umbellifers as pollen sources. Scrub encroachment should be controlled, preferably by the continuation of existing practises. Remaining areas of unimproved grassland must be conserved and activities resulting in a change to the natural rate of erosion should be discouraged.
Sphecodes scabricollis (Wesmael, 1835)
(Halictidae - a
Solitary bee, one of the Cuckoo mining bees)
1. Description
A small black bee with a red abdomen, shiny with sparse hairs, as with most British species in this genus. This species is separated from its’ close relatives by, among other features, the shape of a flange running behind the eye, the colour of the hooks on the legs and the morphology of the head.
The genus as a whole is cleptoparasitic on others in the Family Halictidae, especially bees in the genus Lasioglossum. Sphecodes scabricollis is associated especially with the mining bee Lasioglossum zonulus, which is present in parts of the Sussex Weald.
Females of Sphecodes scabricollis are on the wing from June to September, the males from early August to September.
2. Current status
Modern records are from 10 sites, mostly in East Sussex. Although the known range is Southern England with the first British records being from Somerset and Suffolk. This is a rare species with few records since the 1950s, despite the continued widespread presence of the main host species. Its current National status is RDB3.
The species has been recorded once only, by P. Hodge, near Sedlescombe on August 28th 1993.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to development, afforestation, intensive agriculture and the shading out of sunlit exposed rides and glades in or close to woodland have reduced nest sites for the host species and reduced foraging areas for both species of bee. The subtle incremental losses to the host population size and range may have had a severe impact on the viability of the cuckoo species, and this may hold true for some other examples of cuckoo species among the UK aculeates.
4. Current action
None.
5. Objective for the species
To maintain the habitat requirements of the species and that of its’ main host throughout the recorded range. To maintain the present range of both species.
6. Proposed action
To survey and monitor suitable habitat to determine the extent of the species’ present population and that of its’ main host, the bee Lasioglossum zonulus. Manage woodland areas to create open glades with areas of bare or thinly vegetated soil in exposed positions. Flower rich areas with yellow composites should be encouraged. Established practises such as coppicing and cutting should be maintained, keeping the overall stability and features of an area a priority.
Nomada fulvicornis (Fabricius, 1793)
(Anthophoridae - a Solitary bee, one of the nomad cuckoo bees)
1. Description
A medium-sized, slender and shining wasp-like bee. Black, with yellow bands on the abdomen and yellow markings on head and thorax. This bee lays its eggs in nests of the host species, three members of the mining bee family Andrenidae, including a species scarce but nesting in Rye Bay, Andrena tibialis.
2. Current status
Widely distributed in Southern England, but rare and decreasing. This species was formerly frequent in parts of its’ range but today records have become few, with half of all recent records nationally coming from Kent or Sussex. Nomada fulvicornis has two broods a year, as do the three host species. The Spring generation emerges from late March in to early June and the Summer brood appears from late June to the end of August. Its current National status is RDB3.
One record, during May 1989, by Morris and Parsons. The record determined by Mr Mike Edwards.
There are no records for the Baie de Somme.
3. Current factors affecting status
The three host species, despite maintaining strong nesting aggregations at some sites, have all undergone the effects of habitat fragmentation in their UK range as a whole and this may be impacting severely on the cuckoo species.
4. Current action
Rye Harbour is an SSSI and SAC.
5. Objective for the species
To maintain the full known range of Nomada fulvicornis and to increase the population.
6. Proposed action
To conserve and manage the countryside to prevent any further decline in range or populations of the three species of Mining bee which are the hosts of Nomada fulvicornis. To monitor populations of the host species.